Nobody wants to start their day with an ice scraper in hand, frantically scratching at a frosted windshield. And, when you’re in a rush, it’s tempting to take some shortcuts and land yourself in hot water.
While it might seem like the best idea ever, pouring boiling – or even just lukewarm water – on your frozen windscreen is a recipe for disaster. Rapid temperature changes can cause glass to crack, or even shatter, which can be costly to repair. Even cold water is problematic, as this can freeze over, making the job harder.
Instead of grabbing the kettle, follow these simple steps to thaw your car windscreen quickly and safely.
Check your wipers
Before you turn your engine on, check your windscreen wipers are turned off. Windscreen wipers can freeze to the screen and the rubber can tear if they start wiping before they’ve defrosted.
Switch on the engine
Once you’ve switched the engine on:
- If you have them, turn on the windscreen’s warm air blower, switch on the rear windscreen heater and heated mirrors.
- Turn off the air recirculation system. When it comes to defogging windows quickly, this is the most common error people make.
- Turn on the air conditioning to remove excess moisture from the air and stop the car misting up. If your windows do get misty, use a de-mister pad or lint free cloth to de-mist the windshield.
Sweep away any snow
Clear all snow off the car. It’s important to make sure you clear your windscreen AND remove all snow from the vehicle, especially from the roof. This snow, if left unchecked, can slide back down your windshield when you break, causing a dangerous hazard. A soft brush is perfect for sweeping snow off the roof and clearing the front grille.
Scrape away any ice
Before you get your scraper out, applying a de-icer spray can help melt the ice faster. These usually come in either an aerosol form, or in a spray bottle with a trigger.
Once the de-icer spray has softened it up a little, you can use an ice scraper to, well, scrape the rest of the ice off your windscreen. If you’re tired of getting chilly hands when removing that ice from your car, make sure to wear gloves.
Quick checks before driving away
Before driving away, make sure:
- All of your windows and mirrors are clear of snow, ice and mist.
- All lights are clean and working.
- Any snow has been removed from your roof.
- The tailpipe is clear. A blockage from snow or ice could cause dangerous carbon monoxide exposure for anyone inside the car.
Top things to avoid
- Never leave your car unattended when the engine is running.
- Don't pour water of any temperature on your windscreen.
- Don't use your hands to clear misted up windows. This can leave greasy smears, and jewellery can scratch the glass.
- Don't open side windows to de-ice them, this can damage the electrics.
Top tips for reducing frost
If you’re lucky enough to have a garage, make sure to use it to store your car overnight, especially in winter, to keep your car safe from the elements.
No garage? No problem! If you don't have a garage you can use, park your car on the driveway near a house. The heat from the house can help keep ice at bay.
If you're leaving your car outside overnight you can also cover your screen with a frost guard.
Invest in a decent winter car kit.
If you’re wondering what you need to protect your car from the winter elements, well, we covered our top 11 winter driving must haves last month. Buying the essentials doesn't have to break the bank - kits like the Carplan Demon Winter Chill gift pack, which includes a scraper/squeegee, a two-in-one ice preventer & de-icer, antifreeze and coolant, and a screenwash booster - contain everything you need to keep your windscreen clear in winter at a reasonable price.
We hope that these pointers have eased some of the stress that comes with those beautiful but brisk mornings. With a little planning and the correct tools, you’ll be able to safely defrost your car without too many defrosting delays.
If you're missing anything from your winter car kit, why not check out our automotive winter essentials.
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